Air Filter Servicing Do’s and Don’ts

Making sure that your vehicle’s air filter is in tip-top condition is essential in maintaining the health of your engine. Some quick fixes and shortcuts can end up doing more harm than good, so in this article, we look at some do’s and don’ts when it comes to looking after your air filter.

When you’re out 4WDing, getting dust in your air filter can become a real issue. When this happens, some might recommend tapping the dust out of your filter and continuing on your way – This is a big no-no.

On a standard air filter, this can deform its shape, meaning that it can no longer seal effectively within the airbox which can then lead to unfiltered air entering your engine.

Instead, we recommend carrying a spare air filter with you on your trip. That way, if your current air filter becomes clogged, you can simply replace it and continue along.

Another fairly common practice that can do more harm than good is blowing out your existing air filter with compressed air. Standard air filters aren’t designed to withstand the force of compressed air which can tear, puncture, and weaken the filter media, reducing its effectiveness.

Compressed air can also push dirt deeper into the filter, and often through to the other side, which can spell disaster for your engine.

When it comes to standard air filters, we always recommend replacing them with a new Ryco Air Filter once they reach the end of their service life. For the relatively low cost of a new air filter, this means peace of mind that your engine is protected by a filter that is operating at 100% effectiveness.

Ryco Air Filters are designed to meet or exceed OE standards, offering high efficiency without compromising on flow or dust-holding capacity thanks to stringent testing in Australia’s only dedicated filtration laboratory.

When replacing your vehicle’s air filter, be sure to clean out any debris from within the airbox and ensure that the filter’s seal is seated correctly before refitting the airbox lid.